A Letter from Dean Heidi Chumley
It is with great sorrow that I write to you. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) suffered a profound loss yesterday. Dr. Lance Nash, Professor of Anatomy and Chair of the Anatomy Department, passed away peacefully at his home.
Dr. Nash was a dedicated educator, researcher, mentor and friend. He spent more than a decade with AUC, leading the Anatomy Department and fostering a strong intellectual curiosity in all of his students.
Before joining AUC, Dr. Nash spent many years as a health care professional in the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics, rising to the rank of Regional Manager for Wellington Capital Health. For more than decade, he practiced as a Clinical Orthotist in major New Zealand hospitals, working with medical and other paramedical professionals in numerous in-patient and out-patient clinics, especially in orthopaedics.
Dr. Nash earned a B.A. in Biological Anthropology and Developmental Psychology at Auckland University, and then completed graduate courses in Child Development and Counselling at Victoria University. After taking this range of courses, it was Anatomy, and gross Anatomy in particular, that really captured his interest. Hence, after completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at Otago University School of Medicine, Dr. Nash entered the Ph.D. program.
His research focused on plastination and confocal microscopy, which are used to examine the morphology and topography of the deep fascia of the head and neck. Dr. Nash’s interest and experience in generating new anatomical knowledge of clinical relevance enriched lectures and helped students understand the role of research in providing new insights of fundamental importance in Anatomy. This passion for teaching and his commitment to this community were evident in everything that he did.
Dr. Nash’s passing is a tremendous loss to our entire community—from those in St. Maarten to those off of the island who had trained and worked alongside him. Though originally from New Zealand, Dr. Nash had truly become a St. Maarten local, deeply involved with organizations like the Rotary Club.
AUC expresses our deepest condolences to Dr. Nash’s family, friends, and students. We were all honored and privileged to have known him. He will not soon be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Heidi Chumley, MD
Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer
Professor, Behavioral and Clinical Medicine
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Campus Memorial Service
A campus memorial service will be held on Friday, September 23, at 8:15 am in the main auditorium. Those who wish to celebrate his life and achievements from afar can participate via a YouTube live stream. If you would like to share a photograph, story, or other memory, please send it to stoher@aucmed.edu.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dr. Nash may be sent to the Rotary Club St. Maarten-Mid Isle. Contribution boxes will be available at the service.
Support Services
Support services are available to all students and colleagues. Dr. Adams and Dr. Schwarzer, AUC’s Wellness Coordinators, are available for on-campus support. Dr. Kirkland, Associate Dean of Clinical Student affairs, is available to speak with clinical students and can be reached at 305-569-8848. To talk with a guidance consultant, who can refer you to a professional counselor, please call 877-523-3879.